For Virginia: Effective Legislators

November 05, 1989

Virginia, like the country, faces the tough social problems of drugs and related, increasing crime rates. And because the Old Dominion is the sixth-fastest growing state in the country, its transportation needs are great. More people also mean more problems with garbage, with water, with growth in general and with the question of the degree to which it should be regulated. The state must strike a balance between development and control, so that quality of life does not suffer while Virginia remains attractive to the flocks of businesses and families moving in.

Probably few people are more aware of these problems than the men and women who craft our state laws and help Virginia plan for its future: the lawmakers who serve in the General Assembly. This year, members of the House of Delegates are up for election. And this year, more than ever before, the benchmark on which to judge their candidacies should be effectiveness.

With that in mind, we give unreserved endorsements to Newport News Del. Alan Diamonstein in the 94th District and to Del. George Grayson in the 97th, which includes the counties of James City, New Kent and part of Henrico. With only slightly less enthusiasm, we urge the re-election of Hampton Del. Wallace Stieffen in the 91st District.

In two other districts - the 98th on the Middle Peninsula and the 96th covering York County, Poquoson and Williamsburg - we feel that because the incumbents have not met the demands for forceful leadership, it is time for challengers to be given the chance to test their effectiveness. Similarily, in the 64th District, which covers the counties of Charles City and part of Prince George and the city of Hopewell and which has been represented by the same man for 27 years, we feel it is time for a change.

Both Diamonstein, who has served for 22 years, and Grayson, who has 15 years in office, are strong, effective leaders who have earned the respect of their colleagues. Both can be counted on to look out for their districts, and the rest of Virginia as well, and to do it with vigor and integrity.

In Hampton, Stieffen, too, has worked hard, especially in matters that pertain to the Chesapeake Bay. In the future, however, we would urge this quiet, mild-mannered legislator to adopt a higher profile, and to be a more visible, more aggressive leader on the bay and on other issues.

In the 98th District, Del. Harvey Morgan should be replaced by Michael Soberick who served ably as Gloucester's county attorney for six years and who has run an energetic, scrappy campaign. Morgan is a likable man of fine character but despite a decade in the legislature, he has not built effective coalitions, nor has he argued forcefully enough for his district.

Those criticisms also apply to Del. Shirley Cooper, the 98th District representative since 1982. She rates well on constituent services but has not proven to be effective in Richmond where, even as a member of the majority party, she has had little success garnering support for her bills. Michael Maguire ran against Cooper two years ago and has shown his commitment by returning to the race. This time voters should reward his diligence with victory.

In the 64th District, Del. Hardaway Marks is a General Assembly fixture and second ranking House member. He, too, gets high marks for constituent service, but the legislature has changed in the nearly three decades he has served in it and Marks is no longer in step with his peers. Voters should give Riley Ingram, the mayor of Hopewell, a chance to expend in Richmond some of the energy he has devoted to so many causes in his home city.

Virginia is a changing state. When area voters register their choices Tuesday, they should pick House candidates who can best meet the challenges of the future through sound, strong, effective leadership.